U Visa & VAWA Lawyer in Florida
We provide compassionate and aggressive legal protection for victims of persecution, violence, and trafficking. Your safety and dignity are our highest priority.
If you fear return to your home country, a Florida asylum lawyer on our team files your I-589, and when protection is tied to a removal case our Florida deportation defense attorneys fight it in immigration court.
Protection Services
VAWA Self-Petition
Protection for domestic violence victims
Processing:12-18 months
Special Immigrant Juvenile
Protection for abused, neglected, or abandoned children
Processing:6-12 months
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Humanitarian Protection FAQs
What is a VAWA self-petition and who qualifies?
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) lets certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents petition for immigration status on their own, without the abuser’s knowledge or cooperation. Despite its name, VAWA protects survivors of any gender. You generally must show a qualifying relationship to the abuser and that you experienced battery or extreme cruelty. Our Florida attorneys review your situation confidentially to see whether a VAWA self-petition fits your case.
What is a U visa, and who is eligible?
The U visa is for victims of certain qualifying crimes — such as domestic violence, felonious assault, or trafficking — who suffered substantial physical or mental harm and who help law enforcement investigate or prosecute the crime. Applicants typically need a certification from a law enforcement agency confirming their cooperation. U visas are subject to an annual cap, so wait times can be long, but applicants may become eligible for work authorization while the case is pending.
How is a T visa different from a U visa?
A T visa is specifically for victims of human trafficking — for labor or commercial sex — who are present in the U.S. because of trafficking and who generally cooperate with reasonable requests from law enforcement. A U visa covers a broader list of qualifying crimes. Both can offer temporary status, work authorization, and, in many cases, a future path toward a green card. We help you determine which form of relief matches your circumstances.
Will applying for humanitarian protection alert my abuser or trafficker?
No. VAWA self-petitions, U visa applications, and T visa applications include strong confidentiality protections under federal law, and they do not require the abuser’s or trafficker’s knowledge, consent, or participation. Protecting your safety and privacy is a central part of how we handle these cases.
How much does a humanitarian protection case cost?
Costs generally include government filing fees plus attorney fees, but several humanitarian forms — including the VAWA self-petition (Form I-360), the U visa petition (Form I-918), and the T visa application (Form I-914) — currently have no USCIS filing fee, and fee waivers may be available for related applications. We explain the likely costs for your specific case during a free, confidential case review.
William J. Vásquez
Founding Attorney · Vasquez Law Firm
U.S. Air Force veteran and immigration attorney with years of hands-on U.S. immigration experience. J.D., NCCU School of Law. AILA member. Admitted to the 4th, 5th, and 11th Circuit Courts.
Available 24/7 - Free Evaluations
Reviewed for legal accuracy by William J. Vásquez
Licensed in North Carolina; U.S. immigration is federal practice.
Latest humanitarian protection articles
- U Visa for Crime Victims in Florida: Your 2026 Guide
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- SIJS in Florida 2026: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- SIJS Process for Minors in Florida: What You Need to Know
- SIJS Eligibility in Florida: A 2026 Guide for Minor
- SIJS Eligibility and Application Process in Florida 2026
Your path, step by step
We keep it simple and keep you informed the whole way.
- 01
Free case review
Tell us your situation. We listen and explain your options — in English or Español.
- 02
Your case plan
We map the right strategy and the documents you will need, with clear pricing.
- 03
We file & advocate
We prepare, file, and represent you at every stage — you always know the status.
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Approval & next steps
We fight for the outcome that keeps your family and future secure.
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